Frances said she has been physically assaulted by passengers several times in her five years on the job with Winnipeg Transit and has only reported three of the incidents to police.

"There have been countless other attempts of assaulting me where I have not reported it for fear of being blamed," she said.

Frances said one time, she called her supervisor for help with an unruly passenger on her bus and was told to keep driving.

"Transit says it is safer for us drivers to keep the bus moving then it is to stop the bus and potentially defend ourselves," said Frances.

"My worst fear is being punched while I'm driving," she said.

What is Winnipeg Transit's safety protocol for dealing with potentially dangerous riders?2:00

Frances said she would like to see all Transit drivers get more defence training to deal with physical assaults.

She said right now drivers are required to take an assault prevention program, a half-day course that teaches drivers to stay in their seats and try to talk their way out of a violent situation.

"And you are required to stay in your seat and you are required to turn your back to the window and they want you to kick open the door and say stop."

"Obviously we never want it to escalate to a physical altercation, however if a physical altercation does occur, that is our training, that is all we get!" said Frances.

"Honestly, it's bullshit."

Transit: drivers get training, support

A spokesperson for the City of Winnipeg said Transit drivers get a full day of training to deal with assaults and conflicts but would not disclose the details of what the training involves.

"Winnipeg Transit's bus operator training dedicates a full day to conflict resolution and assault avoidance. It involves both classroom and practical aspects. These topics are also touched on numerous times throughout the rest of the 30-day training program," said the emailed statement to CBC.

"In the event of an unruly passenger, operators are trained to call the Control Centre for assistance. The Control Centre is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Depending on the situation, the Control Centre may dispatch a supervisor or notify the Winnipeg Police Service. They also may ask that the operator remain at that location or continue back to the Transit Garage," the statement said.